Bali Governor Committed to Full Support

KOMITE OLIMPIADE INDONESIA

The Governor of Bali I Wayan Koster (left) receives a souvenir from the Chairman of the Indonesian Olympic Committee Raja Sapta Oktohari witnessed by the Minister of Youth and Sports Dito Ariotedjo (center) during a press conference in Denpasar, Bali, Friday (14/4/2023).

DENPASAR, FRIDAY — After causing a stir by refusing the Israeli contingent’s participation in the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Bali Governor I Wayan Koster has said he is committed to fully supporting the 2023 World Beach Games. Koster also expressed his hope that all controversial issues would not be prolonged or exaggerated again.

"As previously reported, regarding the issue of the 2023 U-20 World Cup [refusing the Israeli team playing in Bali], we discussed how to ensure that the World Beach Games runs well in line with the constitutional mandate. If Bali has agreed to be the host, we are the Province of Bali and I will of course provide full support so this event runs smoothly and is successful," Koster said on Friday (14/4/2023) after a discussion with Youth and Sports Minister Dito Ariotedjo and Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) chair Raja Sapta Oktohari in Denpasar.

When he first stated that he refused Israel’s participation in the World Beach Games, Koster said this was in line with the mandate of the country's Constitution and Foreign Affairs Minister Regulation No. 3/2019 on general guidelines on foreign relations for regional administrations. The foreign minister stated that Indonesia did not have diplomatic relations with Israel. It was also explained that raising or using the flags, symbols or other attributes and playing the Israeli national anthem was prohibited in Indonesia.

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This is not the first time Koster has opposed Israel’s presence in Bali. Previously, he wrote to the Youth and Sports Minister (Menpora) on 14 March on his refusal Israel’s participation in the U-20 World Cup in Bali, one of the candidate venues for the tournament. Apart from the absence of diplomatic ties, Koster deemed that Israel's political stance towards Palestine was incompatible with Indonesia’s.

During a question-and-answer media session following the discussion with Dito and Okto, Koster emphasized that he supported the World Beach Games in line with the Constitution. For the rest, he asked that the issue not be raised again.

"In terms of preparations, Bali is ready. After Idul Fitri, we will bolster the preparations again. Earlier, we and KOI conducted site surveys and all kinds of things," Koster said.

KOMPAS/AGUS SUSANTO

Tourists play beach volleyball at Batu Bolong Beach, Badung, Bali, Friday (1/7/2022). Indonesia is planned to host the 2023 World Beach Games in Bali, 5-12 August.

In concluding the press conference, Koster expressed his hope that the press would keep the situation conducive by providing information without needlessly exaggerating big issues. "Let's support the smooth and successful running of the World Beach Games, [so] all components of the Balinese community can support it," he said.

Okto said that regarding technical matters relating to organizing the World Beach Games, a special discussion session would be held with the youth minister and Bali governor. What was clear, continued Okto, was that preparations for the third largest multi-sport event in the world must be on track. Bali was deemed very ready to welcome the participants and contingents of the event, which would take place on 5-12 Aug.

“In the near future, we will also release [information on] officials from participating countries. This is because we will hold a chef de mission meeting in Bali. What is certain is that ANOC [Association of the National Olympic Committee] has not said anything about the participants. As for the venues, there are several that are still tentative, because they have not yet received permission from their owners. However, the governor will mediate for [hosting] beach soccer in Nusa Dua. Several other places have yet to reach agreement,” said Okto.

Let's support the smooth and successful running of the World Beach Games, [so] all components of the Balinese community can support it

Dito said he was grateful that the Bali governor and KOI had reached a meeting point with regard to the preparations for the World Beach Games. He made assurances that the Bali governor was fully behind the event to be held on the "Island of the Gods".

"As I have often said, for the World Beach Games, we encourage communication and collaboration and sitting together to find common ground and understanding [in the midst of existing issues]. Alhamdulillah [Praise be to God], today's discussion brought blessings. The important thing is, the spirit is the same. All of us from the Youth and Sports Ministry hope that the implementation will run smoothly and have a positive impact on Indonesia and Bali," he said. (*)

This article was translated by Kurnia Siswo.